John Colletti: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: NapervilleWebsite: www.Colletti4Council.comOffice sought: Naperville City Council Age: 54Family: Married 32 years with four adult children.Occupation: Adjunct professor of finance, economics and accounting at North Central College in NapervilleEducation: Accounting BSC, DePaul University Finance MBA, Northwestern University Certified Public AccountantCivic involvement: Elected to the Naperville Little League Board. Elected to the Naperville Lightning Soccer Board as Treasurer. Naperville Community Youth Sports Coaching Experience: The Wheatland Athletic Association Naperville Park District YMCA Sports Programs Naperville Lightning/Galaxy Soccer Clubs Naperville Little League Naperville Baseball Association DuPage Parochial School BasketballElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My financial background and twenty years of experience managing the financial trading firm I cofounded gives me the ability to understand the impact of decisions on our city's budget. My recent experiences as a college professor reinforce my belief in the importance of communicating with one's constituents. With this change in careers, I have the time and energy required to take on a leadership position in a serious manner. I am able and willing to serve the community and become a trusted member of a team devoted to improving the financial health of our residents and city.What is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales and property taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.The local sales tax combined with the food and beverage tax is high. The $5 foot-long sandwiches we hear about cost closer to $6 with all the taxes in the downtown district. Sales taxes are regressive in nature and especially impact those on fixed incomes. Sales taxes as currently structured negatively impact brick and mortar storefronts competing with online retailers. A flatter more widely distributed sales tax could improve the business climate not only in Naperville, but for our state as well.Early projections for the fiscal year 2016 budget showed a $12 million deficit. What can the city do to avoid future budget deficits? Where can the city save money or make cuts?All expenditures must be prioritized. Investments must be managed to avoid the unfavorable negative returns realized this past fiscal year in the General Fund. Review all asset/property holdings. Disposition of assets should be considered where appropriate, for example the Public Works facility on 5th Avenue if sold could turn into a property tax generator for the city. Partnerships between the city and sponsored events could generate new revenues. Many cities offer multi-event tickets to encourage increased use of facilities and overnight stays. A multi-purpose ticket offering access to Ribfest, the Naper Settlement, Centennial Beach and the Children's Museum could stimulate tourism. Promote development of the Ogden corridor. Cancel health coverage for city council members, and consider increasing the share of rising medical and dental coverage expenses paid by current employees. Consider creative ways to reduce unfunded pensions to ensure payment of promised benefits while reducing the debt carried to finance payments. Consider matching operational hours more closely with usage to maximize the efficiency of labor costs at city-financed entities.What additional regulations, if any, should the city council impose on bars and liquor license holders to help keep the downtown night life safe? What do you think of the restrictions recently created, such as relating to late-night entry, shot sales, beer sizes, drink specials and security training?Security training requirements are critical. The restrictions on late-night reentry have positively impacted the situation in the downtown area. I do not want to micromanage all aspects of the businesses, but establishments that fail to prioritize safety should be subject to appropriate enforcement actions by a strong liquor commission.What should the city council's role be in bringing businesses to town? Should businesses be allowed to bring in proposals under code names, such as "Project Panda"? What do you think of the decision to approve the SKF development at Warrenville and Freedom roads before informing the public of what the development would be?We must understand the competitive pressure cities face when seeking to entice new developments. City officials should be working to enhance the business environment and create job opportunities. Initial talks and posturing may need to be handled discreetly. Final approvals should be undertaken with transparency to residents.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The issues that are important to me are derived from the input of residents. Many are concerned with the large operating deficits projected to be incurred by our city. Most people I meet express concern with property tax levels. If we can mange the financial situation without inflating property taxes, we will write a success story.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Steve Fossett, a leader in the Chicago business community, entrepreneur and adventurer who granted professional opportunities to me and many others.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Be honest and work hard with purpose.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?My past experiences have all shaped my development. I am looking to a bright future.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math. The ability to understand numbers facilitated successful banking, trading and teaching careers. The blessings from those positions allow me to seek office now.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Do not settle, strive for improvement and be honest to yourself and others.